Liu Yiqian is an art dealer worth roughly £2.5bn, but the offer made via email by the investment group he fronts, ‘The Sunline Group’, significantly undervalued the club, says the report.

“We did not respond because the club is not for sale,” said a club source. “We have been having discussions about strategic investment and that will continue.”

FSG have just extended Jurgen Klopp and his assistant’s contracts by six years, and have spent big money expanding Anfield’s capacity – with the New Main Stand ready in time for the coming season.

This proves that they do have long-term ambitions with the club, although the Times suggest they are looking at the possibility of bringing in some outside investment to help boost the club in the transfer market.